January 13, 2026
Weldon M. Danos – Executive Director

The Grand Isle Port Commission (GIPC) continues to make measurable progress in strengthening infrastructure, expanding aquaculture operations, and enhancing financial stability. The 2025 State of the Port reflects disciplined management, strategic growth, and a clear vision for the future of Grand Isle’s working waterfront.

 Administration & Management

•Established and Achieved GIPC Goals & Objectives.

•Coordinated a Marketing & Advertising Campaign by JEDCO for the Grand Isle Jewels AOC Oysters.

•Obtained Grant Funding of $800K for Critical Projects. 

•Continued Implementation of the GIPC Master Plan to Complete Repairs of all GIPC Facilities Damaged by Hurricane Ida.

•Coordinated the Appointment of One (1) Port Commissioner by the Governor.

Economics & Accounting

•Established and met FY25 GIPC Operating Budget.

•Established an Increase in Revenues via the Commercial Dock Boat Slip Lease Renewal Fees.

•Achieved No Major Findings on FY25 Financial Audit and Legal Compliance with State LLA Requirements.

•GIPC Assets Exceeded Liabilities by over $9M.

•GIPC Total Net Position Increased by 9%.

•GIPC Investment in Capital Assets Was at 98%.

Strategy & Vision

•Pursued the Strategy for an Extended Designation of Bayou Rigaud as a Federal Navigation Channel as Part of the Fifi Island Restoration Grant Project.

•Coordinated and Received a Coastal Use Permit and USACE Permit to Expand Oyster Farm 2. 

•Established Additional Commercial Dock Boat Slips/Leases at the Rebuilt Pier & Bulkhead on Bayou Rigaud.

•Awarded a Contract to Construct an AOC Oyster Aquaculture Workstation at the Commercial Dock.

•Obtained $150K CEA Funding from Jefferson Parish

•Obtained $100K CEA Grant Funding from LA Sea Grant

Critical Operations

•Coordinated FY25 Commercial Dock Lease Payments / Signed Leases.

•Coordinated FY25 Oyster Farm 2 Lease Payments / Signed Leases.

•Coordinated FY25 Oyster Farm 1 Lease Payments / Signed Leases.

•Completed FY25 GIPC Property Lease Payments / Signed Leases including the LA Dried Shrimp Company

•Completed the Repair of the Pier & Bulkhead Project on Bayou Rigaud at a Total Investment of $4.3M.

Communications

•Updated the GIPC Website and LA State Boards & Commissions Website to include Current Membership,  Announcements and Meeting Notices/Minutes.

•Participated in Congressional Delegation Meetings in Washington DC for Federal Funding Opportunities.

•Coordinated a GIPC Key Activities Weekly Report to Port Commissioners and Staff.

•Completed 2025 Annual Sexual Harassment Report.

Social Perceptiveness

•Executive Director Elected as President of the Ports Association of Louisiana and Led Monthly Board of Directors Meetings.

•Participated in Bi-Monthly Grand Isle Levee Board Public Forums and Presented a GIPC Key Activities Report with Talking Points.

•Participated in Bi-Monthly Grand Isle Town Council Public Forums and Presented a GIPC Key Activities Report with Talking Points.

•Participated / Led Monthly GIPC Public Forum Meetings and Presented Commercial Dock / Executive Director Summary Reports.

•Participated in Local TV & Radio Interviews /Segments Representing GIPC including  the Grand Isle Jewels Marketing & Advertising Campaign.

Future – Near Term (2026)

•Obtain the $1.8M Funding for the Commercial Dock Pump Station Project.

•Obtain the $750K for the Commercial Dock Improvement Projects.

•Complete the Commercial Dock West Slip Bulkhead and Shrimp Dock Repair Projects.

•Complete the Construction of the GIPC AOC Oyster Aquaculture Workstation Facility Project at the Commercial Dock.

•Initiate the Legislative and Regulatory Process for the Expansion of Oyster Farm 2.